Online Colleges with no Application Fee

Quick Look:

Schools like Maryville University, Loyola University Chicago, and Arizona State University provide a wide range of online undergraduate and graduate programs.
All colleges featured are accredited by reputable organizations, ensuring high-quality education.
Many programs offer asynchronous classes, career support, and financial aid options for eligible students.

Affording a quality college education can be challenging. There are many options for scholarships and grants to offset costs. But college students often rely on loans to help them get through school.

College students pay an average tuition price of $27,100 at public colleges. At private, non-profit universities the amount is much higher – $58,600 each year.

Trimming off excess expenses is essential to keeping your academic dreams alive. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to save a few bucks.

College admission refers to the process by which individuals apply for and are accepted into colleges or universities. It typically involves:

submitting an application
letters of recommendation
essays or personal statements
possibly an interview

The admission process may also consider factors like:

extracurricular activities
community involvement
diversity considerations

Each college or university has its own specific admission requirements and criteria, and decisions are usually made by an admissions committee or office based on a holistic evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications and fit for the institution.

One of the easiest things to do is to apply for online schools with small or no college application fees. Many colleges require an application fee to cover the postage, processing, and review of admissions forms. Application fees generally range from $30 to $60 apiece. Selective schools like Stanford charge up to $90! Paying for college applications is similar to gambling because there’s no guarantee the college will even accept you. Steering clear of hefty fees can help you apply to a wider reach of schools for less money.

Of course, you can apply for online colleges that have a reputation for being more affordable. Fortunately, many excellent schools have a good reputation for academics and affordability. This means you can save money without sacrificing on the quality of education you get.

There are colleges that offer free applications, waiving the usual application fees. Some colleges have specific policies to provide free applications for all applicants, while others offer fee waivers based on certain criteria such as financial need or participation in specific programs.

Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best online colleges without an application fee to simplify your school search.

Related:

Methodology for Colleges With No Application Fee

We began by sourcing more than 400 online colleges applications that are free. Prospective schools were narrowed down based on accreditation from one of the six regional accrediting bodies. Then, we determined which accredited universities had remote programs available 100 percent online. Having at least three online programs was required to qualify.

Next, we focused on schools with good reputations in the U.S. News and World Report rankings. We also factored in selectivity, flexibility, online technology, and teaching awards to arrive at this list.

Without further ado, let’s get to the list of cheap online colleges without application fee:

Free Applications Colleges

1. University of Dayton

The University of Dayton is a highly desirable school for getting a master’s degree. Like undergraduate programs, graduate programs don’t have an associated application fee.

U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Dayton as #136 in Best National University and #32 for Best Value Schools.

The University of Dayton’s Online Learning Division offers small, asynchronous online classes for completing your degree. There are about a dozen-and-a-half programs available completely online for graduate students.

For example, online students can apply to the M.S.E. Educational Leadership, MBA, or M.S. Engineering Management for free. Other options include:

M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
MBAN in Business Analytics
M.S. in Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy
M.S. in Interdisciplinary Education Studies
M.S. in Renewable and Clean Energy

The graduate school at the University of Dayton also features various certificate programs. Options include:

Systems and Architecture Analytics
Strategic Public Relations
Modeling and Simulation
Health communication

The University of Dayton is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

For more about the University of Dayton’s Online College Application Fee Free Degree Programs, go here.

2. Tulane University

Tulane University is in New Orleans, Louisiana. It’s a medium-sized, private, non-profit school. You can earn bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees from the university. There are also various certificate programs available.

The school has more than 8,500 undergraduate students. Some of these students study on-campus while many others study online from locations around the world.

This is a highly-regarded school. It ranks 63rd among national universities and 5th among best service learning. Tulane gets high marks for being a good value, too. It ranks 100th in the nation on that metric.

You can choose from a variety of online graduate programs at Tulane. This includes:

MPH in Community Health Sciences
MPS in Cybersecurity Management
MM in Entrepreneurial Hospitality
Master of Jurisprudence in Labor and Employment Law

Tulane offers many graduate-level certificate programs, too. Some of the most popular options include:

K-12 Educational Leadership
Nonprofit and Strategic Philanthropy Management
Sport Administration
Technology Architecture

Note that you must be a Tulane undergraduate student or alumni to qualify for the free application fee waiver. Only some online programs qualify for the free application as well.

Tulane is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

For more about Tulane University’s Online Application Fees and Degree Programs, go here.

3. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago is a private, non-profit Roman Catholic university. It has six campuses with over 11,500 undergraduate students. You can choose from many different undergraduate and graduate programs. There are also doctoral studies and certificate programs available online.

In fact, you can choose from more than two-and-a-half dozens master’s programs. Since this is a religious school, many of its master’s degrees deal with religious studies. For example, you can choose from:

Several M.A. in Pastoral Studies tracks
Two M.A. in Christian Spirituality tracks
One M.A. in Divinity track

Loyola University Chicago also offers online graduate programs in:

Nursing
Healthcare Leadership
Health Sciences and Public Health
Business
Education
Law
Social Work

U.S. News and World Report ranks Loyola University Chicago as the 132nd best national university in the U.S. The school is also recognized as the 81st best college for value. Other rankings include 37th in best undergraduate engineering programs.

Loyola University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. You can access their free online college application by clicking the link just below.

For more about Loyola University Chicago’s Online Application Fees and Degree Programs, go here.

4. Maryville University

Next on the list of online colleges with free application is Maryville University. This is an accredited, private liberal arts institution. It’s located in St. Louis, Missouri, where it was founded in 1872. Currently, the university has around 5,500 undergraduate students.

There are about a dozen master’s degree programs available online from Maryville. There is a also a selection of doctoral programs, should you wish to continue your studies beyond a graduate degree. Several online certificate programs are available, too.

Among the popular graduate degree offerings are:

M.S. in Accounting
M.S. in Artificial Intelligence
M.S. in Software Development
M.A. in Management and Leadership
M.S. in Data Science

There are also five different M.S. in Nursing concentrations.

According to the U.S. News and World Report, Maryville is the 266th best national university.

Maryville has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

For more about Maryville University’s Online Application Fees and Degree Programs, go here.

5. University of Scranton

Nestled in Pennsylvania’s Lacakawanna River Valley, the University of Scranton is a private, co-educational Jesuit institution. There are about 3,500 undergraduate learners on campus and online

The university’s online graduate school offers about two dozen different programs. You can choose from:

MHA in Health Informatics
Master of Accountancy in Forensic Accounting
MBA in Finance
M.S. in Business Analytics

There are many certificate programs available online from the graduate school as well. Some of these options include:

Supply Chain Management
Health Administration
Online Enterprise Resource Planning

The University of Scranton ranks 6th among regional universities in the north. It also ranks 53rd among best value schools. Its admission application is free, of course.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is the accrediting agency for the University of Scranton.

For more about the University of Scranton’s Online Application Fees and Degree Programs, go here.

6. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University colleges with free applications

Colorado Technical University is the next on the list of online colleges without application fee. This is an accredited, for-profit polytechnic institution. It’s located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, but has students worldwide taking courses for online programs. There are more than 24,000 undergraduate students at CTU.

There are nearly three dozen online graduate programs available at this school. This places it near the top of the list in terms of program variety.

Some of the most popular online graduate programs at CTU include:

Criminal Justice
Healthcare Management
Information Technology
Management
Nursing

CTU also offers multiple tracks in Business Administration, including:

Accounting
Data Analytics
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Global Leadership

No matter which online master degree you choose, you’ll get it from a school that ranks in the top 400 of national universities. The school also ranks 280th in social mobility.

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

For more about Colorado Technical University’s Online College Applications and Degree Programs, go here.

7. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyen University colleges with no application fee

Indiana Wesleyan University began as the Marion Normal College. It’s a private, non-profit Methodist liberal arts institution. Its endowment is more than $201 million.

This is a small school in the sense that there are only about 2,600 undergraduates on campus. But with online programs and graduate students, the student body is actually much larger. In fact, there are more than 6,400 online undergrads.

IWU is the Midwest’s 11th best regional college and 52nd best social mobility. Its undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs include many online options. For example, you can choose from:

Accounting
Business Administration
Counseling
Divinity
English as a New Language
Management
Nursing
Psychology

There are also several public administration tracks and various education tracks, including special education. Check the university’s admissions policy for specific details on how to apply for free.

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

For more about Indiana Wesleyan University’s Online Application Fees and Degree Programs, go here.

8. University of St. Francis

The next entry on our list of the best online colleges is the University of Saint Francis. This university is in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The University is a private, co-educational Roman Catholic institution. There are around 1,700 undergraduate students on campus

As a four-year university, Saint Francis offers various bachelor degrees and master degrees. You can choose from challenging, yet accessible programs like:

MBA
M.S. in Health Administration
M.S. in Reading
M.S. in Teaching and Learning

There are actually 10 different areas of concentration for the Teaching and Learning Degree. This allows you to customize your learning plan to suit your career goals.

The University of Saint Francis ranks #90 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

Regional accreditation for this university comes from the Higher Learning Commission.

For more about the University of St. Francis’ Online Application Fees and Degree Programs, go here.

9. Brescia University

Brescia University got its start by the Ursuline Sisters in 1925. It’s a private, co-educational Catholic college in Owensboro, Kentucky

This is a very small school. There are just over 800 undergraduate students on campus. With online programs, though, the university has a much larger reach.

Brescia University colleges with no application fee

If you want to get an online graduate degree, you can choose from many options, including:

M.S. in Clinical Psychology
MSW
MBA
M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

Brescia University isn’t limited to graduate programs online, either. You can also complete associate’s programs, bachelor’s programs, or certificate programs. Check the admission requirements to see if you qualify for enrollment.

This school comes in at number 15 in best value schools and 36th among regional colleges in the south.

This university is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

For more about Brescia University’s Online Application Fees and Degree Programs, go here.

10. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a co-ed, public school. It has a robust online student body with more than 40,000 students enrolled around the world. In fact, ASU is one of the largest online schools in the nation.

With 120 online graduate programs available, ASU has one of the largest selections of degrees among schools on this list. Just a few of your options include:

M.S. in Business Analytics
M.S. in Crime Analysis
M.A. in Education
M.A. in English
M.A. in Global Security

There are many other options for prospective students in the areas of behavioral science, languages, and nursing.

In addition to having so many online programs available, ASU is also well-regarded academically. It ranks first among schools for innovation and 61st among top public schools. The university also ranks 121st among national universities and 159th for best value.

Arizona State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

For more about Arizona State University’s Online Application Fees and Degree Programs, go here.

11. Dallas Baptist University

The next entry on our list of accredited online colleges without application fee is Dallas Baptist University. While the school might have “Dallas” in the name, but it has campuses in other Texas cities. Their virtual learning platform extends the school’s reach far beyond the state’s borders.

This is an accredited private, Protestant liberal arts college. There are about 2,700 undergraduate students.

As a graduate student, you can select from a host of online degree options. For example, you can get an MBA or a Master of Arts in Management. DBU also has online courses and programs in:

Education
Leadership
Liberal Arts

Additionally, you can choose master’s degrees in the areas of ministry and professional development.

The school’s accrediting agency is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

For more about Dallas Baptist University’s Online Application Fees and Degree Programs, go here.

12. Point Park University

Point Park colleges with no application fees

Point Park University is in downtown Pittsburgh. It’s a private, career-focused liberal arts college with around 2,800 undergraduate students

There are many different programs you can choose from to complete your online degree at Point Park. In fact, the University currently offers 18 different online master degree programs. You can choose from options like:

M.A. in Intelligence and Global Security
M.Ed. in Secondary Education
M.A. in Community Psychology
MBA

There are also many online bachelor’s degree programs and doctoral programs available online. There are certificate programs as well.

Point Park University has regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

For more about Point Park University’s Online Application Fees and Degree Programs, go here.

13. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is an innovative, private distance learning institution. It is one of the largest online learning providers on this list with more than 100,000 online students that study full-time and part-time.

There are more than 200 online degree programs between the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs at SNHU. Of those, there are more than 30 master’s programs from which you can choose. Some programs even have multiple areas of concentration.

For example, you can get an M.S. in Marketing with a concentration in:

Digital Marketing
Marketing Research Analytics
New Media and Communications
Social Media Marketing

The University has many favorable rankings, not the least of which is being number three on the list of most innovative schools.

SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).

For more about Southern New Hampshire University’s Online Application Fees and Degree Programs, go here.

14. Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University colleges with no application fees

Michigan Tech is in Houghton, Michigan, and has around 5,500 students on campus. The university has many more online students. You can pursue any number of certificate programs, master’s degrees, and doctorates.

The widest selection of online programs at Michigan Tech are certificates. For example, you can get a certificate in:

Fundamentals of Materials Engineering
Security and Privacy in Healthcare
Vehicle Dynamics
Control Systems
Aerodynamics

There are master’s degrees programs in Applied Statistics, Civil Engineering, and Health Informatics, among many others.

Michigan Tech ranks 78th among top public schools. It’s also the 148th best national university.

The accrediting agency for Michigan Tech is the Higher Learning Commission.

For more about Michigan Technological University’s Online Application Fees and Degree Programs, go here.

15. Baker University

Baker University colleges with free applications

Baker University is a small, private, non-profit school. It’s located in the Great Plains in Baldwin City, Kansas. There are just over 1,300 students on campus. However, Baker offers dozens of online degrees that allow students from all over the country to get their degree.

If you want to go to graduate school, Baker offers nine different degree options. These include many options in education:

Master of Science in Instructional Design & Performance Technology
Master of Arts in Education
Master of Science in School Leadership
Master of Science in Special Education
Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

You can also pursue a graduate degree in Business Administration, Nursing, or Sports Management. An application form can be found on the Baker University website linked below.

International students have until December 1 to apply for admission.

Baker University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

For more about Baker University’s Online Application Fees and Degree Programs, go here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there other online colleges with no application fee?

Yes. There are many other schools with no college application fees.

In fact, many online colleges accept an application fee waiver request from students with limited financial means. Qualified learners typically must fall within income guidelines. To qualify for a college application fee waivers, you must:

participate in state welfare programs
receive reduced price lunches (from a national school lunch program)
be a foster child

Some colleges may provide a fee waiver based on:

financial need
academic merit
military service

It’s best to research and contact individual online colleges directly to inquire about their fee waiver programs and the requirements for eligibility. The availability of fee waivers may vary among institutions, so it’s important to check with each college for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

If you’re in high school, your school’s guidance counselor can provide greater assistance with this waiver form. If you’re a first-time student, you can check with your desired school’s admissions office. With this waiver in hand, you can greatly expand your college search.

If you aren’t eligible, you can use this list to apply for online colleges that don’t have an application fee to begin with! Remember – to apply to colleges online takes a lot of hard work, time, and effort. Don’t wait until the last minute to begin filling out your applications.

Is the process to apply to online colleges different from on-campus colleges?

While there might be small differences, the college admission process for applying to an online college and a traditional college are really very similar.

For example, if you’re in high school, you’ll likely need to submit documentation like:

High school transcripts
A copy of your dimploma or GED
Letters of recommendation
ACT or SAT test scores (though these test scores aren’t always required)
Satisfactory GPA

Some colleges and universities might have additional requirements in their application process. For example, a personal interview might be part of the admissions process. If you Google “online colleges application,” you’ll see that minor differences exist among schools.

Each of the schools in this ranking will have slightly different admissions processes. But, the common trait is that they have no application fees!

Are there online colleges with open enrollment and no application fee?

Yes. You just have to find the schools that meet these criteria.

You can start with this list of no application fee schools. You can narrow your search by investigating which of the schools on this list (if any) have open enrollment.

If you’re not sure what open enrollment is, it means that the only requirement for college admissions is that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Usually, junior colleges and community colleges have open enrollment. But, some four-year schools also offer this minimum application qualification.

When is a typical application deadline?

The most popular application deadlines are in January of each year. Many schools use January 1 as the deadline. Others use January 15.

But, there are many schools that have application deadlines that are at different points throughout the year. Some schools require application materials to be in sometime in November. Others require application packets to be postmarked by January 31st. In some cases, there is no application deadline.

For example, some universities have a rolling admissions system. When there’s rolling admissions, applications are reviewed as they’re received. Then, notice goes out to students on a rolling basis, rather than on a specific date.

In any case, it’s important to check with each school you’re interested in to determine exactly when application materials are due. Keep track in a calendar so you have ample warning when application packets must be completed and put in the mail. Then, once all your applications are off, it’s a matter of playing a waiting game to find out if you’ve been accepted.

Once you’re accepted, then you can look forward to the start dates for your studies!

School Finder

Top 15 Accredited Online Colleges With No Application Fee